Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — The Wiregrass Angel House and the Exchange Center for Child Abuse Prevention hosted a special event for children impacted by trauma, bringing a bit of Christmas magic into their lives.
“Today, we are doing a trip to the North Pole for our children from the Exchange Center and Wiregrass Angel House to help bring a little brightness to their life,” said Shelly Linderman, executive director of Wiregrass Angel House. “We are having Santa Claus and bouncy houses, decorating cookies, and they’re going to get a special present from Santa. Twenty-three kids from both the Exchange Center and Wiregrass Angel House.”
The event, in its second year, is aimed at children who have experienced significant trauma, including the loss of a parent to murder in the past year. “It’s a fun event,” Linderman added. “What we do is very sad in our daily lives at both places, and it’s a time that we can all come together and just have fun, see smiles on the kids’ faces, and give them a little magic because their reality is so sad.”
Lily Flowers, executive director of the Exchange Center, shared, “Children got to come in today and tell Santa that one BIG gift they want, that they did not know was under the BIG tree.”
For families like Dannette Green’s, the event brought some holiday relief. Green, who lost her daughter to murder in August and is now raising her four grandchildren, said, “This has meant so much. The holidays are harder now with her being gone and it’s still fresh. This has been uplifting and gave a moment to push the sorrow aside, uplift the kids, and see a smile on their face.”
Amy Mahan, who brought her grandchildren from Donalsonville, Ga., through the Angel House, shared a similar sentiment. “It really means a lot to know we have people behind us and support us. After losing their mother, it brings some Christmas spirit back,” Mahan said.
The children enjoyed decorating cookies, playing in bouncy houses, and receiving a special gift from Santa. The event provided a bright spot for families dealing with heartbreak during the holiday season.
